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Science News Archive September 2018 - Page 26


Page 26 of 37

Finding Nemo's genes

Researchers have successfully mapped the orange clownfish's genome using high-tech sequencing tools, creating a comprehensive genetic blueprint. The completed genome contains over 26,000 protein-coding genes and will aid in understanding reef fish biology, sex change, larval dispersal, and ocean acidification impacts.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalMolecular Ecology Resources·DateSep 11, 2018

Newborns with congenital heart disease have enlarged kidneys

A study by Gemma Scholes and colleagues found that newborn babies with congenital heart disease tend to have significantly enlarged kidneys. This contradicts previous assumptions about organ development in these infants. The type of congenital abnormality also influences kidney size, with some having larger or smaller than normal kidneys.

SourceSpringer·JournalPediatric Research·DateSep 11, 2018

How bad bacteria gain an edge in the gut

Clostridium difficile produces p-cresol to control intestinal microbiota and confer fitness advantage over natural protective bacteria. This compound may provide a novel drug target for reducing C. difficile infection.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateSep 11, 2018

It pays to be nice to your employees, new study shows

A new study from Binghamton University found that benevolent leadership styles have a positive impact on employee performance, while authoritarian leadership has negative effects. The researchers discovered that showing compassion to employees motivates them to be better workers and increases job satisfaction.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalThe Leadership Quarterly·DateSep 11, 2018

Immunology -- two for the price of one

A team of researchers has characterized the fates of individual phagocytes in the central nervous system, revealing that they can switch between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory phenotypes. This discovery sheds light on the complex role of mononuclear phagocytes in neuroinflammatory diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateSep 11, 2018

September/October 2018 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

A study found that patients with higher continuity with their prescribing physician received fewer risky opioid prescriptions and were less likely to be hospitalized for opioid-related causes. However, long-term opioid use was associated with lower continuity scores than other medications, highlighting the need for improved prescribing...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 11, 2018

What catches our eye

Scientists from TUM discovered that individual nerve cells create parallel connections to three areas of the brain, establishing feedback loops that reinforce salient stimuli while suppressing others. This automatic attention control mechanism is also shared by humans, revealing insights into perception and consciousness.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 11, 2018

Scientists develop new drug treatment for TB

Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a groundbreaking new treatment for tuberculosis (TB), targeting the bacteria's defenses rather than killing it directly. The compound shows promise in animal studies, offering hope for a more effective and less toxic treatment option.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateSep 11, 2018

Folding poisons

Researchers at the University of Freiburg have discovered that Clostridium difficile toxins penetrate intestinal cells by exploiting a protein called TRiC. Blocking or inhibiting TRiC can prevent cell poisoning, offering potential new strategies for combating these bacterial infections.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 11, 2018

Inhaled version of blood pressure drug shows promise in treating anxiety, pain

A new study by Centre for Addiction and Mental Health suggests that an inhaled form of a high blood pressure medication may treat certain types of anxiety as well as pain. The treatment uses a short-acting nasal spray called amiloride, which targets physiological changes in brain functioning linked to anxiety and pain sensitivity.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalJournal of Psychopharmacology·DateSep 11, 2018

Study finds air purifiers may benefit fetal growth

A new study conducted in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia found that high-efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) air purifiers can decrease fine particulate matter by 29% and lead to babies weighing up to 85 grams more at term. The results provide further evidence of the negative impact of air pollution exposure during pregnancy on fetal growth.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalEnvironment International·DateSep 11, 2018

Understanding 6th-century barbarian social organization & migration through paleogenomics

Researchers sequenced ancient genomes from two 6th-century cemeteries in Hungary and Italy, shedding light on the lives of Longobard communities. The study found a strong relationship between genetic background and material culture, suggesting that these communities were aware of their differences and it influenced their social identity.

SourceInstitute for Advanced Study·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 11, 2018

A subway map for diabetes

University of Tokyo researchers have developed a trans-omics approach that maps the interactions between molecules inside cells in response to insulin. This comprehensive understanding may lead to better therapies for type 2 diabetes by identifying potential drug targets and optimizing insulin regimens.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournaliScience·DateSep 10, 2018

Transparency may improve US home buyout programs

A Stanford University study found that lack of transparency in US home buyout programs leads to lower participation rates and perpetuates social inequality. The research suggests increasing clarity on decision criteria, community involvement, and emphasis on equitable relocation can improve the program's effectiveness.

SourceStanford University·JournalClimatic Change·DateSep 10, 2018